Facies and geochemistry of non-marine gypsum, EMISAL, Egypt

Diverse gypsum facies in terms of crystal size and morphology are deposited in a shallow, non-marine, sulfate-enriched, semi-closed, perennial evaporite basin. These gypsum facies were deposited in intimate association with cyanobacterial mats. Facies analyses and geochemistry revealed two distinct...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Ali-Bik, M. W., Metwally, H. I. M., Wali, A. M. A., Kamel, M. G.
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2013
País:España
Institución:Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Repositorio:Dipòsit Digital de Documents de la UAB
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:ddd.uab.cat:115538
Acceso en línea:https://ddd.uab.cat/record/115538
https://dx.doi.org/urn:doi:10.1344/105.000002051
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Gypsum
Lithofacies
Non-marine
Geochemistry
Descripción
Sumario:Diverse gypsum facies in terms of crystal size and morphology are deposited in a shallow, non-marine, sulfate-enriched, semi-closed, perennial evaporite basin. These gypsum facies were deposited in intimate association with cyanobacterial mats. Facies analyses and geochemistry revealed two distinct primary facies, based on gypsum fabric; massive selenite, and laminated gypsum varieties. The massive selenite facies is composed of clusters of single and twinned crystals along (100), with upward pointing re-entrant angle. The laminated gypsum varies from rhythmically laminated grass-like selenite to gypsum microbialite (stromatolite). The change from massive selenite to laminated gypsum facies implies fluctuation in lateral and vertical salinity profiles, seasonal brine concentrations and wind action. Post-depositional changes in the form of dissolution, slight to moderate crystal deformation and recrystallization to anhydrite are evaluated. We develop a qualitative model for the depositional basin and facies distribution in order to simulate ancient analogues.